The Axistence Journal

The Farmer’s Carry is pretty simple, technically: Mindfully pick up a heavy weight in each hand and go for a walk. For such a straight forward movement, the gains are spectacular. Being able to carry your own body weight about 50 meters is a big sign of overall health – and longevity.

It’s Insanely EfficientWhen you pick up and walk with heavy weight, you’re taxing muscles you didn’t even know you had. You have to brace yourself, tightening everything up, then move. It requires grip strength, core strength, and works all the joints and muscles you need for good posture. As you shuffle forward under weight, different, deep muscles are put to work with every movement, increasing the overall strength of your whole body.

It Gets You Fit for Everything ElseWhen you increase overall strength, you’re fit for everything else you do, from squats to deadlifts to cardio, to practical application (hoisting your kid into the car).

“The loaded carry does more to expand athletic qualities than any other single thing I’ve attempted in my career as a coach and athlete.” -Dan John

Get MovingWant to give it a try? We recommend starting with a weight feels challenging to carry for 45 seconds to a minute. See how it’s done in a quick video: